USE OF CEREBRAL OXIMETRY TO MONITOR BRAIN OXYGENATION RESERVES FOR SKULL BASE SURGERY

We used cerebral oximetry based on near-infrared re-emittance spectros copy for noninvasive evaluation of the cerebral regional oxygen satura tion (rSO2) to preoperatively assess patients with skull base tumors a nd giant arterial aneurysms, for whom possible occlusion or partial re section of the internal carotid artery was considered. Monitoring cere bral oxygen saturation was performed during both endovascular (balloon ) and open surgical test occlusions of the internal carotid artery The presence (or absence) of changes in the cerebral oxygen saturation se rved as a criterion of the patient's tolerance to permanent occlusion of the internal carotid artery. In all cases the curves of saturation accurately corresponded to the clinical condition of the patients, pri marily to the developing of neurological signs. Cerebral oximetry was an extremely informative and reliable technique for fast, easy, and no ninvasive detection of changes in brain blood circulation. Generally, cerebral oximetry serves as a valuable adjunct in detection of brain t olerance to the occlusion of major arterial vessels and in monitoring the condition of the brain in regard to its oxygenation and perfusion.